Gerald Ciolek will lead the MTN-Qhubeka team at the Tour of Britain, which starts on Sunday, September 15th in Peebles, Scotland, as he makes his debut in the event. The German sprinter, who will celebrate his 27th birthday during the race [on stage five between Machynllth and Caerphilly, Wales, on September 19th - ed], will come up against former teammate Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) as he chases stage victories.
“It’s a race with big names and it’s definitely a focus for us,” Ciolek said. “SuperSport will be broadcasting the race in Africa and that makes it more interesting for us that people in Africa can see the race. It’s definitely a goal for us. My condition has been good. I was feeling good in the Brussels classic last week so we’ll see how it goes in the race for us.”
Ciolek will be guided in the sprints by compatriot Andreas Stauff, but three of the team’s six riders will be from Africa, in the shape of Eritreans Ferekalsi Debesay and Meron Russom, and South African Songezo Jim. The team will be completed by Spaniard Sergio Pardilla, who will doubtless be targeting the hillier stages.
“Our team will show what we are about,” Sports Director, Jens Zemke said. “With bringing three African riders, plus three experienced Europeans competing with the absolute world class field is like a dream come true. Tour of Britain will be an amazing race with their national hero’s and we are proud to be part of it.”
MTN-Qhubeka team for the Tour of Britain
Andreas Stauff, Ferekalsi Debesay, Gerald Ciolek, Meron Russom, Songezo Jim, Sergio Pardilla